James' commuting experience by bike
_ James
Hallam makes extensive use of both his recumbent handcycle and his clip-on
handcycle for his commute to work. Here
he compares their usefulness.
_1. The Clip-on
_ Some days I commute from
Loughborough to London by handcycle and train.
I use my TeamHybrid Coyote clip-on handcycle with a 9 speed internal hub
gear and back pedal brake. This journey
consists of:
a. Cycle from my house to Loughborough train station (approx. 2 miles)
b. I cycle straight on to the train (with the aid of a ramp)
c. Take the clip-on off and put it next to me in the wheelchair space
d. Re-attach cycle when I arrive in London, roll off the train, push through the train station (no cycling allowed in the station/on the platform in any station)
e. I then cycle across London (there are some good cycle paths) to my office (approx 2-3 miles)
f. Either leave my bike in the cycle racks next to the office, or leave it under my desk (if I am running late!)
a. Cycle from my house to Loughborough train station (approx. 2 miles)
b. I cycle straight on to the train (with the aid of a ramp)
c. Take the clip-on off and put it next to me in the wheelchair space
d. Re-attach cycle when I arrive in London, roll off the train, push through the train station (no cycling allowed in the station/on the platform in any station)
e. I then cycle across London (there are some good cycle paths) to my office (approx 2-3 miles)
f. Either leave my bike in the cycle racks next to the office, or leave it under my desk (if I am running late!)
_The conclusion is clear.
_ The clip-on is brilliant. It means I get places faster and more easily
than pushing. Over shorter distances it
is often faster than driving. Cycling keeps my hands cleaner as I don't push on
the rear wheels as much and it helps to keep me fit.
_2. The Recumbent
_ Other days I work at the local office and I use my
Draft recumbent - along with using my old day chair which I leave at the
office.
a. Cycle from my house to Loughborough the local office (approx. 9 miles)
b. Transfer from my recumbent to my old wheelchair that I am able to leave at the office
a. Cycle from my house to Loughborough the local office (approx. 9 miles)
b. Transfer from my recumbent to my old wheelchair that I am able to leave at the office
_The conclusion is clear.
_ The recumbent is so great to ride – especially
downhill. It keeps my hands even cleaner than the clip on (traction on the
recumbent means I don’t push on the wheels).
It means I get places significantly faster and more easily than pushing.
Over longer distances the increased efficiencies over the clip-on are noted
(often I come home a longer route, just for fun). While not faster than driving
(unless the traffic is really heavy), I arrive at work, and back home with a
smile on my face, it helps to keep me fit and means that when I get home I have
already done my exercise for the day.
